Trader calls for compensation after 40 per cent drop in sales during roadworks

Rahul Sood, owner of Flower Corner in Broad Street, is calling for comepnsation because of the effect of the town centre roadworks on trade

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An angry trader is calling for compensation after sales plummeted around 40 per cent as road works continue in the town centre.

Rahul Sood, owner of Flower Corner in Broad Street, says he has been let down by borough councillors as South East Water’s £2 million project moves into Shute End.

Many retailers noticed a drop in trade while the water company installed a 200m pipe in Broad Street during three weeks last month.

The work finished early and the road has reopened to one-way traffic, but engineers moved into Shute End on Monday, which is due to be shut until Monday, April 1.

Mr Sood said: “It’s had a big knock-on effect and speaking to other businesses around everyone is on the same page. It has killed the business – the way they have done it has been a mess. They have taken my sales for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, which are big events for us.

“When I look at our sales from last year, they have gone down by 25 to 40 per cent.”

He continued: “The borough council should compensate the businesses. I’ve asked for a concession on business rates – but they should have sorted this before. Our councillors should be more involved in these things. Why has no-one stood up for us so far?”